Floor cleansing device



April 20, 1965 E. R. BALLANTYNE FLOOR CLEANSING' DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 13 1963 INVENTOR. EARNEST BALLANTYNE April 20, 1965 E. R. BALLANTYNE 3,178,756

FLOOR CLEANSING DEVICE Filed May 13 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. EARNEST R. BALLANTYNE United States Patent O 3,178,756 FLGR CLEANSING DEVICE 'Earnest R. Ballantyne, Columbus, Ohio, assigner to Wayne Chemical Company, a corporation of Ghiok Filed May 13, 1963, Ser. No. 280,934 3 Claims. (Cl. 15-526) This application relates to and is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application, Serial Number 123,800, filed J une 13, 1961, for Floor Cleansing Device, now Patent No. 3,114,922.

This invention relatesfgenerally toiloor covering cleansing devices, andspecically to a new and improved method andrneans of .controlling the dispensing of the cleansing agent on the material to be cleansed to facilitate the brush action in the cleansing device.

In my earlier co-pending application, I disclosed the unique principle of a self-contained oor cleansing `device for converting the detergent material to suds or foam prior to application to the floor covering. By only applying foam to the material to be cleansed, the material remains comparatively dry thereby 'removing the danger of .shrinkage and rapid subsequent soiling. Also, a uniform application of cleanser is applied and only the detergent that is used is dispensed.

To utilize this basic principle, I have disclosed in my `earlier co-pending application apparatus that generally f comprises a rdetergent storage tank, a pump means for con- .verting the detergentto foam andl afoam applicator.

The pump means is actuated by the movement of the floor ycontacting mechanism. An alternate arrangement is also `shown. anddescribed wherein the pump for-the foam generator is electrically driven in order to generate rapid and large amounts of foam. The instant application is directed to the electrically driven pump for the foam generator.

Accordingly, it is a general object of my present invention to provide a new and improvedlloor cleansing device that utilizes the basic principle of applying only detergent foam to the material vto be cleansed.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a floor cleansing device with an improved air injection mechwill become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

f FIG. l is an over-all illustration of a floor cleansing device utilizing the basic principle of a foam generator;

FIG. 2 is an over-al1 illustration of a preferred embodikment of my invention utilizing an electrically driven foam generator;

FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the invention utilizing an relectrically driven foam generator;

FIG. 4 is a part-sectional View and part-schematic View of the electrically driven air injection mechanism incorporating the principles of the present invention kgenerally shown in FIGS. l and 2;`

I yFIG. 5 is a part-schematic and part-sectional view of 'an alternative arrangement of the electrically driven foam generatorof the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the air and liquid shut off dises of rio. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the liquid and air control f ydiscs of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 further illustrates the liquid and air control disc relative to the shut off position; and

FIG. 9 is another brush unit adaptable to the embodiment of FIG. 5.

Referring now specifically to FIG. l, there is shown in perspective the basic embodiment of my present invention. The embodiment comprises a handle generally shown at 10 having supported thereon a liquid detergent storage tank 2li, pump means 24 that may be activated by back-and-forth movement of the lloor contacting mechanism shown generally at 30 or through the action of handle 15. As the foam or foaming lather is generated in the pump 24, -it is transferred to the Hoor covering adjacent to the point of contact of the applicator brushes 14 and 16 and roller 18 for applying the foam to the door covering.

In some instances where a considerably larger area is desired to be cleaned, it may be necessary to electrically drive the pump for the foam generator in order to generate a sufficient amount of foam. Also, since the greatest physical exertion in the use of the preferred embodiment would be in the brush contact, it may also be desirable to electrically drive the brushes. With reference to FIG. 4 there is shown electric motor 91 energized by electrical source 94. Connected to motor shaft 91a is a pulley 95 `having a belt 92 tightly coupling pulley 93. The size of pulleys 95 and 93, of course, may be chosen to the appropriate gear ratio. Pulley 93 being lixedly connected to axle 31 drives both the pump shaft 38 and the two brushes 51 and 47 through the pulley and belt action described in relation with FIG. 4 above.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is illustrated the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4 with all of the moving parts and mechanical operation removed from view by the streamlined housings titl and 82. Also shown in this embodiment is the handle 46 that also serves the purpose of an electrical switch by the up-and-down movement and as a rheostat to control the speed of the electrical drive. Also for convenience, there is attached to handle 52 retaining means 96 and 96a for coiling of the electrical wire 94.

e With reference to FIG. 3 there is shown another embodiment that adapts the principles of my invention to another type of cleaning operation. In some instances, the material to be cleaned, such as upholstery, drapes, and car seats, would not be reached by a oor type of cleaning device. Accordingly, there is shown in FIG. 3 a portable type of cleaner that could be utilized for all types of cleaning operations. In more detail, the Vprinciple of operation is similar :to `that of FIG. l, except that the foam ,generator and/or the brushes vare power driven. Further, the entire mechanism is housed into a portable device. That is, housing 102 covers the entire mechanism and is secured thereto by fastener 103. To facilitate the hand operation, handle 101 is attached to the housing 102.

In an alternative arrangement of the apparatus of the present invention, an electrical motor driven compressor unit is substituted for the air pump unit described hereintofore. The basic principle of operation is substantially the same as described above. However, in this embodiment the foam scrubber may readily be ruggedized and consequently made suitable for commercial and continual use type of applications.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing an electrical motor driven compressor type of foam generator. More specifically, the compressor unit is a commercially available compressor and per se does not form a part of the invention.v Theelectrically driven compressor 110 .viaoutlet 111 pressurizes the liquid detergent tank 121i.

The pressure in tank causes the liquid 117 to flow via rigid tube 116 Vand thence flexible tuber 114. VThe air V'handle and brush as shown in FIG. 9.. 'Y

pressure in tank 120, also seekinrg'aY low pressure area, will flow through the outlet 126 `and then through tube 115. The liquid iluid and air is transported through the tubing 114 and 115 tothe foam generator unit 12.

The foam generating unit 12 of this embodiment'comprises a cylindrical housing 11 having at its one end 13 an 'entry for the air and liquid tubings 114 and 115. Per` manently fixed as walls in the housing 11V are' discs 21 andV 22 in continuous contact with the inner wall 26 'of the housing. Also pivotally secured by pin 25 to discs 21 and V22 is athird disc 23 of oblong shape.` Referring to FIG. 6, it is'seen the discs 21, 22. and 23 comprise passages 21a and 2lb, V22a and 22b, and 23a and 23h. When the discs are positioned within the housing,V their respectivel Y passages are in direct line with each other. Fixed to disc 21 are rigid tubings 27 and 28 of just smaller diameter than the inside diameter of the tubings 114 and 115; and

- hence adapted toreceivefthesetubings. Thuslyv thereV is communicated air'and liquid detergent to the mixing unit. Since the passages in the discs are in direct line,'it is seen Athat the air and detergent Vare Vpermitted to pass freely therethrough.' The tubing '28 does not extend beyond the Yair chamber 30 and into the mixing chamber.

The air build up in air'chamber 30 is also from the orifice 52. The air enteringthe mixing areaV 14 the fluid tube nozzle and specifically around the orifice 38. This build-up would impede the amountof liquid expelledV and consequently vary the aiuto-liquid ratio for proper spraying action.

In vorder to overcome theabove dry detergent buildup, and also to extend'the applicability ofthe floor cleans- I ing device, there is; provided inthe present invention a variable nozzle. YThis improvement permits the operator y to control the wetness of the foam, ie., the air-to-liquid ratio. More specifically, inthe preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, spray nozzle y36 is threaded onto ltube 34. To control the.v rnixtureofk airy-to-liquid, the nozzle 36 is'advjustedmforwardV onback., That is, 'when nozzle 36Y is screwed back against fluid tube nozzle34, it cuts oif air iiow from air ports 51 and 51a and fluid only is dispensed.

' As nozzle 36 is-screwed out, anincreasing amount of air escapes` through ports 51 and 51a, i thus increasing the amount of air mixing with the liquid from orifice 52. It Y is'apparent vthat by controlling the ,'amountqof air to be mixed with the liquid detergent, the spray expelled from port k38 will be wetter or drier. Consequently, as this Yspray `strikes the screen V42, .therewill emergetherefrom 'a foam of controlled wetness.

`In' order to manually adjust Vthe degree Aof wetness,lthe

jnozzle 36 is permanently fastened tothe outerv housing 40.

Secured'to housing 40 is Vthe adjusting lever 44 inpassing through the opening Y43. It is readilyseen that by moving causes thev airA to mix with the fluid'. The liquidand air Y Y strikethe inner walls of the outer housing 36 and areY `forced through the port 38 in a line spray. This spray is then forced through a fine mesh screen 42 and is con- ,verted into a,foam. The foam Ais then ypassed into foam transfer means 33fand then to the Ybrush, 35 where itmay -be impartedgto'the workpiece.

.In order to provide a shut olf for the liquid and/vor i air such as when the 'workpiece maybecomesaturated and pressure is still in thetank 11'Z,"the disc'23rnay be the lever 44 in onedirection oranother, theY nozzle 36 Vis screwed in or out to the amount desired.

alternative method and means, of varying thev wetness-of the foam is to control the amount of rliquid detergent relative'toair' that is .permittedto enterthe nozzle shown in FIGS. VTand 8.Y The'di'scs 21,22, and 23 may vbe utilized,in additionto being an ,onolf control, as a fratioof air-toliquid control. This maybe accomplished byattenuatingthe passages 2(1'afand 23a in the'rdisc-ZZ of FIG. 5 to such as 23C and 23d Vshown in'FIG.Y v'7. As the ldisc 22wouldbe Vpivoted fromy left toV right-assuming -pivoted such ras with lever 45v tooney side-or the otherV i -thereby disaligning thepassages-21a and :2lb with/22a and 22b. Y The oblong shape of disc 23fwith the pin 25" are merely illustrative of the pivoting of Vthecenter disc relative to the outside discs.V Inactual practice, .the disc, Y. `23 will be round and in rubbing contactfwith the surface -of discs'rl.V and 23 and in vedge contact withith'e inside@y wall of the housing.4 VVMaterial such asf'trade 'named "Teo`nvwould be suitable for the disc material.

Thej'outsidetube113 is of isomewhat srnallerflengthVV 'than the linner tubings 114 a'nd115.` Thusly, when' tubing 113 is fixedto the tank at 125 andthe housing1f26,the

'innertubings are permitted play. l Also, theA wearthrough tubing 113. 7 Y The brush 35,k as

(friction'with the workpiece-willi be borne by the Vouter` rangement 17 and inserting therein Aan In actual practice of-the cleansing device,lit` has been found that theratio of air to liquid is-,not a constant factor for'the cleansing of alltypes ofc'arpets.' More precisely,

.in cleaninga heavy pile carpet orrug, a lr'ylfo'arn would not be sufficientlyv penetrating 1to1 clean the entire pile.

t0n vthe other hand, in cleaning a' relativelylsrnootlr carpet, f a wetfoam would not be necessary. YAccorlinglyto more@` '70T hasfbeen "found vexpedient to devlse means togrvary'l the VgenerallyV apply '..thefoam generated cleansing device, it

relativewetness of the famf..

1 In another instancefwitha' constant'ratioiof Y 5'5 *Within the scope of'my invention.

shown in FIG. 5, is adaptedforuse on p av workpiece such as upholstery. In orderto adapt the ysame scrubbing unitto a oor piece operation, the brush f 35 may be removed by disengaging the pin and lockfan.V

elongated type of 'f an initial 'off position as'shown-the'air enteringthe noz- Vzle -would'bel of much greater capacitythan liquid. l As rthe movement'continues,` theamount of air would decrease, whereaslthe amount'offliquid detergent'would' increase.

' vThehousing 11 includesacross-slot 48 Ato permitrota- -tionv of the 'disc '23` by Vrthe leverA 45,. The housing may further include a graduation thereonhavingv relative indications as illustrated in FIG. 8 indicating the off position and the'drylto-wet foam that may be desired.

- Againin actual practicefsince the` on-off will be `manipulated many 'times'duringnany one cleaning operation, whereasfthe wet ,todry"ratio` will bekept constant after lit' is once set, it wouldbe desirable tovinclude :separate discs for the von-off control and the ratiocontrol.

I Y""Althofu'gh VI have shown a, certain and speciiic'ernbodiment, it isunderstood Vthat departures may be had thereto Whatis claimedisz,v

liquid detergent stragelftanlr-y in'communicationwith said housing, air pressurizing means positioned adjacent to fand y i also in Vcommunicationwith said liquid storage tank',V electrical. drive means fo'ractivatingV said air `pressurizing i' Aliquid---it rhas; beenY found that afterj extended; risagebffu the cleansing devicerthat drydeterge'nt buildup l.

, meansktopressurizesaid 'detergent storagetank, mixing` rneans, said; air pressurefindependently introducing'sa'id air/'and saidliquidxdetergent into said Vmixing means, said V,mixing means combinin'g'said air and liquid'detergent for converting-.said airl'and'detergent, to foam', and transfer 'means "connected to saidfoam generator: forr transferring jsaidfoarn 4tosai'd Vworkpiec'eymeans,for controlling the ratio of liquiddetergentto air enteringsaidmixing means,V s'aid ycontrol.means including a'iirst wall in said lhousing 'having a pairof` passages therethrough, meansconnectingv VVsaidvaair toL one of4 saidv Passages-and means connecting l lsaidliquid detergent to the other of saidpassages, asecond y wall in said housing, said second wall being rotatable relative to said first wall about an axis extending perpendicularly through their centers, a pair of passages in said second wall, said passages being of such shapes as to be partially aligned with the passages in said first wall while the second wall is rotated between a first and second position, the shape of said passages in said second wall providing a range of positions intermediate said two positions in which range the amount of liquid supplied to the mixing means varies from Zero to a maximum flow while the amount of air supplied to the mixing means varies between a maximum and zero flow, both said flow Variations being in direct proportion to the degree of rotation from said first position toward said second position.

2. A cleansing device of the kind described comprising a housing including a workpiece contacting means, a liquid detergent storage tank in communication with said housing, air pressurizing means positioned adjacent to and also in communication with said liquid storage tank, electrical drive means for activating said air pressurizing means to pressurize said detergent storage tank, mixing means, said air pressure forcing said liquid detergent to said mixing means, means also introducing said air into said mixing means, said mixing means combining said air and liquid detergent for converting said air and detergent to foam, and transfer means connected to said foam generator for transferring said foam to said workpiece; means for controlling the ratio of liquid detergent to air enterinU said mixing means including a first and second wall each having a pair of passages therethrough, said passages in the first of said walls in alignment with the passages in the second of said walls, means connecting said air to one of said passages in the first of said walls and connecting said detergent to the other of said passages in said first Wall, a third wall in said housing, said third wall being rotatable relative to said first and second walls about an axis extending perpendicularly through their centers, a pair of passages in said third Wall, said passages being of such shapes as to be partially aligned with the passages in said first and second walls while the third wall is rotated between a first and second position, the shape of said passages in said third wall providing a range of positions intermediate said two positions in which range the amount of liquid supplied to the mixing means varies from zero to a maximum flow while the amount of air supplied to the mixing means varies between a maximum and zero ow, both said fiow variations being in direct proportion to the degree of rotation from said first position toward said second position.

3. A cleansing device of the kind described comprising a housing including a workpiece contacting means; a liquid detergent storage tank in communication with said housing, air pump means positioned adjacent to and also in communication with said liquid storage tank, drive means for activating said air pump means, mixing means, said air pressure independently introducing said air and said liquid detergent into said mixing means, said mixing means combining said air and liquid detergent for converting said air and detergent to foam, and transfer means connected to said foam generator for transferring said foam to said workpiece; means for controlling the ratio of liquid detergent to air entering said mixing means, said control means including a first wall in said housing having a pair of passages therethrough, means connecting said air to one of said passages and means connecting said liquid detergent to the other of said passages, a second wall in said housing, said second wall being rotatable relative to said first wall about an axis extending perpendicularly through their centers, a pair of passages in said second wall, said passages being of such shapes as to be partially aligned with the passages in said first wall while the second wall is rotated between a first and second position, the shape of said passages in said second wall providing a range of positions intermediate said two positions in which range the amount of liquid supplied to a mixing means varies from zero to a maximum ow while the amount of air supplied to the mixing means varies between a maximum and zero fiow, both said flow variations being in direct proportion to the degree of rotation from said first position toward said second position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,293,722 8/ 42 Erickson 15-230 2,735,125 2/56 Erbs 15-589 3,114,922 12/63 Ballantyne 15-533 X 3,114,927 12/ 63 Ballantyne 15--526 CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner. 

1. A CLEANING DEVICE OF THE KIND DESCRIBED COMPRISING A HOUSING INCLUDING A WORKPIECE CONTACTING MEANS; A LIQUID DETERGENT STORAGE TANK IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID HOUSING, AIR PRESSURIZING MEANS POSITIONED ADJACENT TO AND ALSO IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID LIQUID STORAGE TANK, ELECTRICAL DEVICE MEANS FOR ACTIVATING SAID ARI PRESSURIZING MEANS TO PRESSURIZE SAID DETERGENT STORAGE TANK, MIXING MEANS, SAID AIR PRESSURE INDEPENDENTLY INTRODUCING SAID AIR AND SAID LIQUID DETERGENT INTO SAID MIXING MEANS, SAID MIXING MEANS COMBINING SAID AIR AND LIQUID DETERGENT FOR CONVERTING SAID AIR AND DETERGENT TO FOAM, AND TRANSFER MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID FOAM GENERATOR FOR TRANSFERRING SAID FOAM TO SAID WORKPIECE; MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE RATIO OF LIQUID DETERGENT TO AIR ENTERING SAID MIXING MEANS, SAID CONTROL MEANS INCLUDING A FIRST WALL IN SAID HOUSING HAVING A PAIR OF PASSAGES THERETHROUGH, MEANS CONNECTING SAID AIR TO ONE OF SAID PASSAGES AND MEANS CONNECTING SAID LIQUID DETERGENT TO THE OTHER OF SAID PASSAGES, A SECOND WALL IN SAID HOUSING, SAID SECOND WALL BEING ROTATABLE RELATIVE TO SAID FIRST WALL ABOUT AN AXIS EXTENDING PERPENDICULARLY THROUGH THEIR CENTERS, A PAIR OF PASSAGES IN SAID 